China’s Belt and Road Recalibration: Why Kazakhstan is the New Metals Frontier

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While Chinese engagement has waned in the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia, Central Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic regions for BRI activity. Yet this surge is far from evenly distributed across the region. Kazakhstan stands out as the primary destination for Chinese capital, attracting $23 billion in the first six months of 2025 alone.

The driving force behind this influx lies in the metals and mining sector—particularly aluminum and copper. It is no coincidence that the push reflects mounting pressures in China’s domestic market and escalating tensions with the United States, which are prompting Chinese companies to secure strategic resources abroad.